Aruna Had the Privilege to Work With Cancer Patients in Bethesda North Hospital for a Few Years

When Aruna had an opportunity to learn Healing Touch and serve Bethesda North Hospital patients as a volunteer, the experience helped her significantly.

Then when she was asked to provide hand massage to oncology patients at the hospital, that experience helped her build relationships with the nurses and physicians. People who are diagnosed with cancer are poked, prodded, injected, and burnt by radiation. So when she would go into their rooms to provide a gentle, compassionate massage, the patients appreciate the compassionate touch and feel reconnected to their body, mind and spirit. That experience gave Aruna so much satisfaction knowing that she got to make a tiny difference in their life in a positive manner. She feels blessed to be in this profession serving these individuals.

The Cancer Patient

Information gathered from research studies indicate that massage incorporated into the conventional care of cancer patients as therapy helps reduce anxiety, stress and pain, and promote relaxation response. Individuals going through chemotherapy treatments or individuals diagnosed with cancer present with signs and symptoms of loneliness, depression and isolation might feel as though the only time they receive human contact is when examined by the physician. Massage therapy can help relieve some of those symptoms.

When working with a cancer patient, we provide service with slow, gentle and mindful hands, with the intention to bring relaxation and well-being. A compassionate touch will make the individual going through cancer feel nurtured, loved and reconnected with themselves. Massage helps not only physically, but emotionally as well.

The oncology massage is not a typical deep tissue massage. The therapist undergoes special training in order to serve those individuals whose immune system is compromised.

The oncology massage promotes relaxation response and reduces stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain, fatigue and psychological distress. The massage helps boost the immune system, restores energy and soothes depression.

When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, a life-threatening illness, they feel disconnected from their body, mind and spirit. When a massage therapist provides oncology massage with compassion the individual tends to feel less isolated.

Complete our helpful new patient forms designed to help us work together more easily. Be sure to bring your forms with you to your first session.